Air Traffic Controller Resume Example and Template
A competitive air traffic controller resume emphasizes tower and radar certifications, safety record, and years of operational experience. Highlight facility type, number of operations handled, and any specialized training in complex airspace.
Aviation authorities prioritize incident-free tenure, knowledge of procedures, and ability to work under pressure. Show verifiable experience and any achievements in safety or efficiency metrics.
A complete, realistic Air Traffic Controller resume, laid out in an ATS-tested template. The candidate is illustrative: the name, employers and figures were written for this example and identify no real person, so you can copy its structure and wording freely.
Updated September 2026
Also searched as
Air Traffic Controller, TRACON, Air Traffic Controller, Tower
Kevin Rodriguez: Air Traffic Controller
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Summary
Experienced air traffic controller with 14 years of tower and radar operations at major US facilities. Currently facility rating holder at Atlanta Terminal Radar Approach Control. Safely managed 350+ daily operations across class B and class C airspace. Zero accidents and six facility safety commendations over career.
Work Experience
Air Traffic Controller, TRACON, Atlanta Terminal Radar Approach Control
Jun 2018 – Present. TRACON facility serving Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Provide radar approach control and sequencing for 200+ daily aircraft arrivals and departures at class B facility
- Maintained 99.8% safety record and zero loss-of-separation events across 8-year tenure
- Trained 8 developmental controllers on radar procedures, spacing techniques, and equipment malfunction protocols
Air Traffic Controller, Tower, Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Feb 2015 – May 2018. Class B airport tower serving 600+ daily operations
- Controlled aircraft on ground and in immediate airspace, issuing clearances and managing runway flow for departures and arrivals
- Logged 8,000+ controlled operations with zero safety incidents; received facility safety award two years running
- Mentored 4 newly certified controllers on Charlotte procedures, airspace management, and communication protocols
Air Traffic Controller, Tower, Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Aug 2012 – Jan 2015. Class C airport tower serving 280+ daily operations
- Managed all phases of flight at class C airport, including ground control, local control, and clearance delivery
- Achieved 98.6% on-time performance while maintaining zero safety violations across 2-year assignment
- Completed specialized training in winter operations and equipment maintenance procedures
Education
FAA Academy
Air Traffic Control Certification, Tower and Radar Operations. Jun 2011 – Jul 2012
Skills
Tower operations and clearance delivery, Radar approach and terminal control, Airspace management and conflict resolution, Aircraft separation procedures, FAA regulations and procedures, Equipment operation and malfunction procedures, Emergency response and deviations, Crew resource management
Languages
English, Spanish
Certificates and Awards
- Air Traffic Controller Certificate, Federal Aviation Administration, 2012
- Facility Rating Holder, Federal Aviation Administration, 2018
- Radar Approach Control Rating, Federal Aviation Administration, 2015
Why this look works
Air traffic controllers work in high-stakes safety environments, so your resume should project confidence and precision. A structured format with clear certifications and ratings is essential since hiring managers need to verify credentials quickly. Professional navy conveys authority and regulatory mastery.
Resume tips for this job
- Lead with facility type and certifications. Hiring managers want to know immediately: tower, TRACON, or both.
- State number of operations handled daily and airspace class. This shows scale and complexity of experience.
- Safety record is everything. Lead with 'zero incidents' or low numbers. Any accident must be explained carefully.
- Include formal training completion dates and facility rating holder status. These are verifiable FAA credentials.
Common questions
Should I list specific procedures or techniques on my air traffic controller resume?
Keep it high-level. Say 'Tower operations, radar approach control, and conflict resolution' rather than specific procedures. Employers verify qualifications with the FAA and will test your knowledge in person. Focus on breadth of experience and certifications.
How do I present a facility transfer or lateral move on my air traffic controller resume?
List each facility as a separate position showing progression or lateral moves honestly. Example: moved from class C to class B shows growth. Lateral moves to different regions or specialties are normal in the field and don't hurt candidacy.
Is it necessary to mention mentor or training roles?
Yes. If you trained developmental controllers or new staff, include it. It shows you're experienced enough to teach others and comfortable with leadership. FAA values controllers who mentor the next generation.